INFICON MPG40x ATM to Ultra-High Vacuum Gauge - Manual (Page 14)

14
tina48e1-b (2008-10) MPG400-401.om
As long as the cold cathode measuring circuit has not yet ignited, the measured
value of the Pirani is output as measuring signal ("Pirani underrange" is displayed
for pressures <5
×10 -4 mbar). The identification output (pin 6, low) indicates the
Pirani-only mode.
If the gauge is activated at a pressure p < 3×10 -9 , the gauge cannot
recognize whether the cold cathode system has ignited. It indicates
"Pirani underrange".
Once flanged on, permanently leave the gauge in the operating mode
irrespective of the pressure range. Like this, the ignition delay of the cold
cathode measuring circuit is always negligible (<1 s), and thermal
stabilizing effects are minimized.
Gauge failures due to contamination, as well as expendable parts
(filament), are not covered by the warranty.
Gauge contamination is influenced by the process media used as well as by any
present or new contaminants and their respective partial pressures. Continuous
operation in the range of 10
-4 mbar … 10 -2 mbar can cause severe contamination
as well as reduced up-time and maintenance cycles. With constantly low pressures
(p <1
×10 -6 mbar), the gauge can be operated for more than one year without
cleaning (cleaning the gauge → 18, 21).
Contamination of the gauge generally causes a deviation of the measured values:
• In the high pressure range (1×10
-3 mbar … 0.1 mbar), the pressure reading is
too high (contamination of the Pirani element). Readjustment of the Pirani
measuring system
→ 16.
• In the low pressure range (p < 1×10 -3 mbar), the pressure reading is usually too
low (contamination of the cold cathode system). In case of severe contami-
nation, instabilities can occur (layers of the measuring chamber peel off).
Contamination due to insulation layers can even lead to a complete failure of
the discharge ("Underrange" is displayed).
Contamination can to a certain extent be reduced by:
• geometric protection measures (e.g. screenings, elbows) for particles that
spread rectilinearly
• mounting the flange of the gauge at a place where the partial pressure of the
pollutants is particularly low.
Special precautions are required for vapors deposited under plasma (of the cold
cathode measuring system). It may even be necessary to temporarily switch of the
gauge while such vapors occur.
Contamination